State prosecutors handling animal-cruelty charges against the former head of the Memphis Animal Shelter and two employees have turned over to the defense 17 boxes of investigative documents and multiple CDs containing e-mails and other information, a judge was told Thursday.

The discovery materials have been given to attorneys for former shelter director Ernest Alexander, administrative supervisor Tina Quattlebaum and veterinarian Angela Middleton who were arraigned in Criminal Court.

Judge Chris Craft set the next report date for Sept. 19.

Shelby County sheriff's deputies raided the facility at 3456 Tchulahoma following reports of abuse.

Investigators said at least three dogs starved to death while in the shelter's care. Disturbing photos of one of the starved animals sparked outrage in the community.

State prosecutor Chris West said the investigation has generated volumes of documents that the defense now is entitled to review before the case advances in court.

No trial date has been set.

Middleton filed a civil suit in federal court earlier this month alleging that she was wrongly fired and was made "a scapegoat for years of administrative malfeasance" at the shelter.

She was fired in July last year for not performing essential job functions "competently, efficiently or professionally," according to a termination letter.

The letter also said Middleton "failed to ensure that the animals were properly cared for."